Free Music Every Week!

A wise woman (myself) once said, “The best gift you could give me is free music.” And every week, that’s what WXPN is serving up. The Free At Noon concerts at WXPN range in artist notoriety and genre. Past performers have included Carly Simon, Ben Folds, Citizen Cope, Joan Osborne, and Hall & Oates. And while I can’t spoil who the future performers will be, I can tell you they will definitely be worth seeing. It’s a perfect break in the middle of the day and an excellent way to begin your weekend. The shows take place on the stage downstairs and the bar is open for the performances. A radio station for the people, XPN also uses the Free At Noon concerts to collect food for hunger relief organization, Philabundance.

So what’s the catch?

Well, there really isn’t one. Free At Noon concerts are open to those that register, but they are first announced to WXPN members. For this reason, XPN members tend to hear about the shows first.

Due to the upcoming XPoNential Festival, the next Free at Noon Show, Robyn Hitchcock, has been pushed back to July 18th.

Please Vote for the Burn Down All Stars

Hey guys, so I don't do this often but this is a very good band and they are friends of mine and they're competing to open the Projekt Revolution Tour when it comes to Philly.


So, short and sweet:
Vote for the Burn Down All Stars buy clicking here
vote on the upper right hand side. you can vote as many times as you want.

Semi-Annual Punk Rock Flea Market

What: A Punk Rock Flea Market. But Don't let the name fool you- this event will also have the same finds as a regular flea market ( furniture, electronics, handmade apparell, etc.)

When: Read the sign- Sat. June 28th, 10 AM- 5PM (get there early to get the goods)

Where: Starlight Ballroom/ Club Polaris (460 N 9th Street, Philadelphia, PA)

Why: All proceeds raised will go to the purchase of necessary equipment and supplies to ensure that all ages shows continue to remain a reality at The First Unitarian Church in Philadelphia

Sponsored by: R5 Productions

Melody Gardot

Singer-songwriter Melody Gardot’s dark sunglasses and cane seem to add aesthetic to the sultry ensemble of the bluesy songstress but they are in fact the necessary props of her life narrative. At age 19 when riding her bicycle, Gardot was struck by a motor vehicle, causing her to be hospitalized for months. After a physician suggested that music could help heal some of her cognitive abilities, Gardot began writing what would become her first EP, “Some Lessons.” While she uses a cane and sunglasses to help with light sensitivity, nothing could hinder her passion. In the title track of the EP, she reflects on the accident and the ways that it changed her life. Five years later, Gardot released her first studio album, Worrisome Heart, which has received excellent reviews. While it would be easy for someone with her story to discuss on the hardships of life, Gardot has a positive message on life and love. Naturally poetic, her lyrics alone are heart-wrenching but when mixed with the intimacy and maturity of her voice, the combination is chillingly beautiful. With a voice somewhere between that of Diana Krall and Ella Fitzgerald, Melody Gardot is a gift to the music world.

Fusing elements from the blues, folk, and jazz, Gardot’s seductive style is an absolute winner on Worrisome Heart. Few artists are able to deliver live performances as good as their recordings but Gardot proves that this is no obstacle by performing equally, and arguably even better, live. With talent beyond her years, there is no telling what is this songstress will do next.

Songs to listen to:
Love Me Like a River Does
Goodnight
Worrisome Heart
Some Lessons
All That I Need is Love


Worrisome Heart- Melody Gardot

Music Video Time!

I deciding to take a break from the typical blogging to bring you some of my favorite music videos. You have probably seen some of them and I hope that you have not seen the others. Regardless, enjoy.


Here It Goes Again- OK GO


A-Punk - Vampire Weekend


I'm Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How to Dance With You- Black Kids


And, I just had to add this

'Wake Up, Mr. West': Mr. By Your Performance, Nobody Was Impressed

Bonnaroo took a leap of faith this year, inviting mainstream hip-hop artist, Kanye West,to perform at the legendary "hippie" festival. But the 31 year old Pre-Madonna quickly proved that he was not ready for such an honor. Having just returned from Manchester, TN, I have the details about the Kanye Delay.

The History:
Kanye West, who was not scheduled to headline, decided that his celebrity status should earn him a spot next to rock legends Pearl Jam and Metallica. The importance of a headlining band is not only that they are the biggest name there but also, they play while no other band is playing. So at Mr. West's request, the folks at Bonnaroo moved Kanye's set to 2:45-4:15 AM, so that he would not have to perform over Phil Lesh. Little did the Bonnaroo organizers know, this would only be the first of Kanye's requests.

The Delay:
2:30 AM- sound check ends
4:15 AM- music (not Kanye's) is playing from a stereo at the main stage
4:30 AM- the lights around Bonnaroo go out
4:35 AM- Kanye's set begins
4:40 AM- Kanye comes on stage
ca. 6:00 AM- set ends

The Details:
One might assume that because Kanye's set did not begin until well after it was supposed to end, that someone had made an announcement about the delay but no such announcement occurred. Angry fans, clad head-to-toe in tie dye, began to boo and many left, while others stayed and tossed debris onto the stage. The tell-all sign that the show was about to begin was when all of the lights around Bonnaroo, minus the vendors, went out. Rumor has it that Kanye refused to perform his Glow In the Dark set, while lights remained on.

The show itself, was the least interactive of all the performances at Bonnaroo. Not once did Mr. West address the audience except in his refrain, "is this what you've been waiting for?" Once the show began, those who remained at the main stage seemed to enjoy the performance, although most of them were under the influence of several chemicals. Midway through the performance, the navy blue sky broke, as the sun began to rise. At the end of his performance, Kanye simply stepped off the platform, neither thanking the audience nor acknowledging his tardiness. As fans questioned whether or not the show had ended, the sun filled the sky and angry campers returned to their tents around 6:30 AM.


Delay aside, Kanye West's performance was terrible. The light show was less than impressive and I've seen better audience interaction at a fourth grade talent show. Sure, he may not be concerned with impressing the tree-hugging crowd at Bonnaroo, but that stunt cost him his credibility. With a desire to headline the festival and prove his stature, his Glow in the Dark set seemed more of a Glow in the Dawn dress rehearsal. Needless to say, Kanye West will never be invited to Bonnaroo again and probably ruined the chances for other mainstream acts. To quote the man who is pretentious enough to speak about himself in the third person, "Wake up, Mr. West, Mr. West, Mr. Fresh/Mr. by-his-self-he-so-impressed/I mean, damn, did you even see the test?"

'Wake Up, Mr. West.' Your fans are more important than you will ever be.

I Love Black Kids

Don't get me wrong, I love White kids, Asian kids, and Hispanic kids as well, but the band, Black Kids, is certainly one of my favorite. Right now, if you haven't heard of them, you're probably imagining a band with all African-American members but here are the Black Kids:


While brother and sister, Ali and Reggie Youngblood, are black, the rest of the ensemble is white. Their questionable name leaves not only fans confused but used to leave the white members a little confused as well. Reggie explains, " For a while, when a stranger asked about the band, they'd just say, 'Oh, you haven't heard of us.'"

Name aside, the band is quite spectacular. Their music is catchy and they're definitely a lovable group. Although they originated in Jacksonville, Florida, they have a European vibe which explains their success both domestic and abroad. The danceable, indie-pop vibe of their music keeps their fans moving for hours. Named one of Rolling Stone's 10 Artists to Watch in 2008, there is no slowing down this quintet. More in love with their passion than fame, they released their EP, Wizard of Ahhhs, for free on their myspace. While the band will continue a European tour for most of the summer, they will return for the Lollapalooza Festival on August 1st. Their first full length studio album, Partie Traumatic, was released on July 7, 2008 on Columbia Records. Although Partie Traumatic will not be free, it will be well worth the money.

"I'm Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How to Dance with You" -Black Kids



Not bad for a band that's only been together for two years.

Mission to Meet Dave Barnes (Almost) Complete!

It seems the best way to get things done is to do them by yourself.

When I wanted to interview The Roots, I asked their manager who said they were on tour and he would "try" to help me. I later contacted a friend of mine in another hip-hop collective who called Black Thought, and hooked me up immediately.

You have to follow the rules, and sometimes make your own.

Now, I tried to go about meeting Dave Barnes the simple way, by asking the people who were hosting the festival...after all, I work there, I should at least get to meet him. When I got another "I'll try." I knew it was time to take matters into my own hands.

So, this weekend, boredom/stalkerdom led me to Dave Barnes' website where I came upon some noteworthy contact information. Just for kicks, I emailed someone who will remain unnamed, and asked if I could interview Sir Barnes...and to my surprise...she replied....ABSOLUTELY!

Absolutely?! What?! Yes folks.

So, on July 13th, if all goes will, Mission to stalk meet Dave Barnes will be complete!

And here ends my lesson on, if at first you don't succeed, try, try again.

Dave's reaction when they told him about the interview

Great Success!

Ode to Ryan Cabrera

Dear Ryan Cabrera:
I know you were never much of a singer...

and I know you were never really that attractive...
but at least you seemed to be yourself (as much as a celebrity can do so)
What's with the new look?
This Johnny Depp/Orlando Bloom look will not do
Stop while you're ahead.
thanks,
--Ashley

An Ode to Thee:

Let's Take Our Time, you're On The Way Down. That hair on you gives me 40 Kinds of Sadness. Maybe you have Blind Sight and are experiencing Illusions- but that's no excuse because you have a stylist. So Take It All The Way and use the professionals. You may say Shame On Me for telling you what is True but someone had to do it. If you don't change this look, your girlfriend, She's going to leave you and you'll be going Exit To Exit only to end up in Echo Park.

Before

After

PS: that stash makes you look like a pedo...and at your young age, that's not a good look

Quest to Meet Dave Barnes

MmMmMmm...Dave Barnes....

So, as I stated in my blog about WXPN's Xponential Festival, I have begun a quest to meet Dave Barnes. While I have set up a deal with my boyfriend, that if the chance arises, I am allowed to make a sexy time with John Mayer, I have been denied a similar opportunity with Dave Barnes...But I suppose that's okay given that Dave is married whereas John is just dating some hoe. Sorry, that was uncalled for. Anyway, I have an update.

So, we're off to a good start- I am going to Xponential.
Now, I am trying to win a chance to go to the Xponential meet-n-greet but I am going to need you guys to vote for my playlist, that I will post later

If I get to go to the meet and greet:
mission will be accomplished, there will be pictures, and my acclamation of love

If I do not get into the meet and greet:
I will break through the tent and molest Dave Barnes...just kidding (kind of)
my next idea is to try to "work" at the meet and greet tent
if that doesn't work, I will try to work for artist hospitality and sneak onto the tour bus

So, that's all I have for now
I will get back to you with details as I get closer to the date

Oh, and for those of you wondering, yes, that is my child in Dave's belly